Stetson hats are in again at Sheriff's Office

The iconic Stetson hat, long a part of Texas law enforcement lore, is returning to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office after a two-decade ban.

Citing requests from deputies after she took office Jan. 1, Sheriff Susan Pamerleau on Tuesday said she's allowing the classic western hats as optional headgear for deputies in uniform. She said the hats could boost morale and help distinguish deputies from city police officers.

“It brings back the tradition of the Texas sheriff and their deputies. If you want to wear a cowboy hat, it is now authorized,” she told deputies who were gathered outside the Bexar County Courthouse.

Not authorized are western hats with flat brims or decorations such as feathers.

Although the announcement comes just ahead of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Pamerleau said the new uniform policy applies year-round.